Howell to Blade: AHA should adopt unique identifier system

To: Readers ForumThe Washington Blade
via email to forum@washblade.com
[published in the January 1, 1999 issue of The Washington Blade]

EXPRESSED PROMISES

Although officials at the District’s Agency for HIV/AIDS (AHA) have
declared that they must implement a names reporting system for people with
HIV, simple prudence should encourage them not to reject a vastly
preferable unique identifier system that would respect legitimate concerns
about confidentiality (Dec. 18, Blade).

AHA should realize that implementation of a names reporting system would
defy the expressed promises of our new mayor, Anthony Williams (D), Council
Chair Linda Cropp (D), and a majority of the D.C. Council.

During the 1998 primary and general elections, questionnaires sent to all
candidates by the Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance (GLAA) asked whether
they would oppose measures such as were recently enacted in New York
ordering doctors to report to public health authorities the names of people
testing positive for HIV.

Williams responded, "I oppose such legislation in D.C. and would veto it if
necessary. I am not yet convinced that the protections are in place to
safeguard those persons with HIV/AIDS from discrimination."

Council Chair Linda Cropp replied, "Yes, I do not support the reporting of
names of persons who have tested positive for HIV. Such reporting will
result in persons not being tested for fear of exposing themselves to
possible discrimination. … The anonymous tracking of incidences of HIV
could assist public health authorities in their prevention and outreach
efforts."

The full texts of these and other candidates’ replies on the names
reporting issue may be viewed at the GLAA Web site at www.glaa.org.
Printed copies can be mailed to anyone who calls GLAA at (202) 667-5139
and leaves a mailing address.

Effective unique identifier systems are already in place in a number of
states. AHA should move quickly to follow their good example.